News & Multimedia

Nabors To Return To IMS To Sing During Indy 500 Pre-Race

May 23, 2013 | By Paul Kelly

Legendary actor, singer and entertainer Jim Nabors will sing “(Back Home Again In) Indiana” in person during pre-race ceremonies for the 97th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Nabors was unable to attend the race last year due to illness, but a rendition of the song he performed at his home in Hawaii was played on the video screens at IMS during pre-race.
“I’m looking forward to coming home,” Nabors said.

Nabors’ rendition of the song has become a beloved tradition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” since he first performed it in 1972. He has performed the popular song – with thousands of race fans singing along in the grandstands – 33 times in person at IMS since 1972.

Indiana native Jon McLaughlin will sing “God Bless America” during pre-race ceremonies. Actress and entertainer Florence Henderson is unable to attend the race this year to perform the song due to illness.

Pop-rock singer-songwriter McLaughlin, a native of Anderson, Ind., has recorded four full-length albums since his self-titled debut in 2004. His latest album is “Promising Promises,” was released in 2012 by Razor & Tie/Sony Records.

McLaughlin’s song “So Close” was featured in the Disney film “Enchanted” and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2007 in the Best Original Song category. McLaughlin performed the song live at the 80th Academy Awards in February 2008.

“This is such an incredible honor for me to be a part of the ‘500’ this year,” McLaughlin said. “I’m excited to carry on such a great tradition and just hope I can do the moment justice!”

***

2013 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26 at IMS.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

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Nabors To Return To IMS To Sing During Indy 500 Pre-Race

May 23, 2013 | By Paul Kelly
Legendary actor, singer and entertainer Jim Nabors will sing “(Back Home Again In) Indiana” in person during pre-race ceremonies for the 97th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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